Italy Golden Visa Program

Program Overview

The Italy Golden Visa Program, officially known as the Investor Visa for Italy, is an active investment-based immigration pathway that allows non-EU investors to obtain Italian residency through qualifying financial investments. Launched to attract foreign capital and skilled individuals, the program provides investors with EU residency benefits and access to the Italian lifestyle.

Key Benefits

• EU Residency: Full residency rights in Italy for investors and their families
• Schengen Access: Visa-free travel throughout the 26-country Schengen Area
• Pathway to Citizenship: Route to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years
• Family Inclusion: Coverage for spouse and dependent children
• Flexible Residency: No requirement for full-time residence in Italy
• Work and Study Rights: Permission to live, work, or study in Italy during permit period

Investment Requirements

Business Investment Options

Innovative Startup Investment

• Minimum Investment: €250,000 in an innovative Italian startup
• Focus: Technology and innovation-focused early-stage companies
• Target: Entrepreneurs and business owners supporting innovation

Established Company Investment

• Minimum Investment: €500,000 in Italian limited company shares
• Property Types: Non-listed businesses based in Italy
• Restriction: Investment must be made with own funds (no financing allowed)

Alternative Investment Options

Government Securities

• Minimum Investment: €2,000,000 in Italian government bonds
• Security: Direct purchase of Italian public debt securities

Philanthropic Investment

• Minimum Investment: €1,000,000 donation to projects of public interest
• Focus: Charitable donations or funding towards socially beneficial projects

Additional Requirements

• Non-EU citizenship and minimum age of 18 years
• Clean criminal record from all countries of residence
• Comprehensive health insurance valid in Italy
• Proof of sufficient financial means for self-support and investment
• Valid passport and properly translated/apostilled documentation
• Proof of suitable accommodation in Italy

Application Process

Documentation Requirements

• Valid passport and passport-sized photographs
• Proof of qualifying investment and funds origin
• Criminal record certificates (apostilled and translated)
• Health insurance policy covering Italy
• Financial statements proving sufficient funds
• Current CV detailing academic and professional experience
• Proof of suitable accommodation in Italy

Processing Timeline

Initial Decision: 30 days for preliminary review and Nulla Osta approval Visa Processing: 2-4 weeks at Italian consulateResidence Permit: 1-2 months after arrival in Italy Total Timeline: 3-6 months from initial application to residence permit

Application Steps

1. Online Submission: Submit application and documents on official investor platform
2. Nulla Osta Approval: Receive certificate of no impediment (30 days)
3. Visa Application: Apply for entry visa at Italian consulate
4. Investment Finalization: Complete investment within 8 days of arrival
5. Residence Permit: Apply at local Questura with biometric data

Renewal and Permanent Residency

Initial Permit Duration: 2 years, renewable for 3-year periods Renewal Requirements: Maintain qualifying investmentPermanent Residency: Available after 5 years of continuous legal residence Citizenship Eligibility: After 10 years of legal residence (subject to language and integration requirements)

Financial Considerations

Direct Costs

• Minimum investment: €250,000 (startups) to €2,000,000 (government bonds)
• Application and processing fees
• Legal and professional service fees
• Translation and apostille costs

Tax Implications

Favorable Tax Regime: Flat tax option of €100,000 on all foreign income for new residents Income Tax: Italian tax residency may trigger taxation on Italian-sourced income Tax Residency: Determined by days spent in Italy annually

Insurance Requirements

• Comprehensive health insurance from company operating in Italy
• Coverage equivalent to Italian National Health System
• Valid for minimum duration of residence permit
• Must cover all family members included in application

Contact Us Today to Start Your Italian Residency Journey

Contact our immigration specialists today to learn more about how you can qualify for Italy’s Golden Visa program or fill in our eligibility assessment to determine your best investment option. Our experienced team will guide you through the entire application process, from investment selection to residence permit approval.

We look forward to helping you achieve your Italian residency goals and unlock the benefits of European living.

FAQs

What are the minimum investment amounts for Italy’s Golden Visa?

The minimum investment is €250,000 for innovative Italian startups, €500,000 for established Italian companies, €1,000,000 for philanthropic donations, or €2,000,000 for government bonds. All investments must be made with own funds without financing.

Does Italy’s Golden Visa program include real estate investment options?

No, direct real estate investments do not qualify for the Italian Golden Visa program. The program is restricted to business investments, government securities, or philanthropic funds. Applicants seeking residency through property purchase must consider other Italian residency options.

How long does it take to obtain Italian citizenship through the Golden Visa?

Italian citizenship is generally available after 10 years of legal residence. The Golden Visa provides a 2-year initial permit renewable for 3-year periods, leading to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous residence. Citizenship requires demonstrating Italian language proficiency (minimum B1 level) and successful integration.

What are the tax benefits for Italy Golden Visa holders?

Italy offers a favorable flat tax regime for new residents, with an option for lump-sum taxation of €100,000 on all foreign income. Normal income tax rules apply to Italian-sourced income. Tax residency status depends on the number of days spent in Italy annually, and worldwide income taxation may apply if considered a tax resident.

Can family members be included in the Italy Golden Visa application?

Yes, the Italy Golden Visa covers the main applicant’s spouse and dependent children under the same application. Family members receive the same residency rights, including access to healthcare, education, and the ability to live, work, or study in Italy during the permit period.